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McCall Equestrian Park in Idyllwild serves equestrian campers with clean bathroom and shower facilities near a network of horse-friendly trails. The campground offers tent and RV sites with spacious areas that provide some privacy despite not being completely secluded. Winds from the mountains help keep the area cool during warmer months. A few tent sites are available alongside the primary horse camping areas. The equestrian sites accommodate horses with appropriate facilities while maintaining reasonable separation between camping parties. Cell service through Verizon is excellent throughout the property, making it convenient for riders needing to stay connected during their stay.
Located approximately 45 minutes south of Whitewater, California, McCall Equestrian Park provides access to several trails for horseback riding and mountain biking with excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Families with horses frequently choose this campground due to its quiet atmosphere, particularly at night when only wildlife sounds interrupt the silence. The clean facilities and mountain breezes create comfortable camping conditions. Most visitors are horse enthusiasts or families, contributing to the relaxed environment. The campground isn't typically crowded, which allows for a more peaceful experience when camping with horses. Fire pits are available at the sites, and the campground's elevation helps moderate temperatures during summer months when desert heat affects lower elevations.
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."
"Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another. Easy road in most anything can drive it."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
Check Availability"We got there after 5pm and no one was at the gate entrance."
"One runs five miles around the park through oaks and tall grass. Benches and drinking fountains are available in parts of the trail. There is a lake you can fish at."
"This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."
"Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.
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from $30 / night
Check Availability"Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool!"
"Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us."
from $40 - $55 / night
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RangerWe normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.
ScoutI was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.
RangerThis is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.
ScoutI only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
GuideStayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.
GuideWhile technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.
PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.
CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.
Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.
After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
LegendThis campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning. It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.
You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground. You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley. There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.
We are tent campers. There are good tent sites as well RV sites. A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise. Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.
Be prepared. We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.
Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.
You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.
McCall Equestrian Park serves as a central location for horse enthusiasts exploring the mountainous region 45 minutes south of Whitewater, California. The area sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation, creating significantly cooler temperatures than the desert floor. Mountain trails in this region typically remain accessible from April through October, with seasonal closures possible due to snow at higher elevations.
Trail riding access points: The Pioneertown Corrals provide direct access to riding areas while offering basic facilities for overnight stays. "It's basically a gravel lot but you can park anywhere along the fence and have access to running water and a real bathroom. Plus you're super close to JT NP and funky 29 Palms," notes Sara S.
Mountain biking on local trails: Heart Bar Campground connects to an extensive trail network with options for riders of all skill levels. "There's a beautiful alpine bike path!" according to Ricky S., who visited the campground near Big Bear Lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree offers excellent chances to spot local fauna. "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites," reports Michael K., highlighting the unique ecosystem.
Mountain breezes and cooler temperatures: Heart Bar Campground's elevation provides welcome relief from summer heat. "This camp sits right over a small meadow that boarders the San Gorgonio wilderness. It sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely. The campground is also littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade," writes Nick L.
Access to water features: Lake Perris State Recreational Area offers swimming and boating options within driving distance. "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it," shares Lauren R.
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate South Ridge Yellow Post Sites for their secluded nature. "Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California. Elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)," notes Tony B.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Be aware that fire policies change based on conditions, especially in Yellow Post sites. "Fire bans usually in effect during summer," warns E B. from South Ridge Yellow Post Sites.
Campsite reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during busy seasons. "Reservations are required but the park is easily accessible. We picked an easy location for our maiden voyage and the need for cell service for my spouse," explains Mark D. at Black Rock Canyon.
Equestrian camping facilities: Beyond McCall Equestrian Park, Pioneertown Corrals offers alternative horse camping. "It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site," explains Andy H.
Clean facilities matter: Black Rock Campground maintains good bathroom facilities. "Sites are good, bathrooms are always cleaned. Close to amenities if you need it (we travel with small children so that's a plus) compared to the more remote stays inside the national park," shares Ashley W.
Look for educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer interpretive programs. "There is a small gift store in the DOI building that is accompanied by an excellent little art gallery. The featured artist was Diane Best. It was clearly inspired by the park. The ranger and host at the store were very helpful with information about the surrounding area," reports Ryan W. at Black Rock Canyon.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: The mountain areas experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" warns Justin L. from Black Rock Canyon.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment for proper leveling. "The sites were close together, narrow roads and the sites were not level. We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected," notes Julie K. from her stay at Black Rock Canyon.
Limited hookup options: Heart Bar Campground provides basic facilities but lacks full RV amenities. "At only $21 per night for a single site, this is the best priced campground in the area excluding free yellow post sites. With this price however you get the basics. No showers, no rv dump station, just water from the pipe, toilets, picnic tables, fire ring, and a bear box," explains Nick L.
Space considerations for larger vehicles: Look for specific campground loops that accommodate larger rigs. "This campground has several loops that each contain roughly 20 campsites, sometimes more. on any given day you should be able to drive up, though a reservation is definitely still recommended," adds Nick L. about Heart Bar Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Whitewater, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Whitewater, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Whitewater, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 equestrian camping locations near Whitewater, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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